The long-running saga surrounding the future of the 20-year-old striker looks set to come to a conclusion after the two clubs thrashed out a deal.

The Chronicle understands the initial payment will be substantially less than the £1m the Railwaymen were looking for - nearer the £300,000 mark - but there will be substantial add-ons for appearances as well as a sell-on clause included in the package.

While it will come as a disappointment to the Gresty Road outfit that one of the most highly-rated homegrown products has successfully forced his way out, there will be some relief that the situation appears to have been solved.

Clayton first refused the offer of a contract extension more than two years ago and speculation on where he will end up has surrounded him since.

His deal with Crewe expired earlier this summer but Crewe are due compensation due to his age.

Since then his agent has taken him on trial to Sunderland, Wolves, Bolton and even FC Midtjylland in Denmerk.

But there were no takers at the price initially quoted, although at the time Bolton boss Dougie Freedman said: "He’s a good player and we liked him – he’s the kind of player we should be bringing to the club. But the fee that Crewe wanted it out of our reach."

Now it seems the Trotters have got their man for less, as long as the player can agree personal terms.

Nantwich-based Clayton has long been tipped for the top. He was tracked by Liverpool and Manchester United even before he left Brine Leas School. And when he represented England at various youth levels his profile was raised further.

Clayton, who missed most of last season due to a broken ankle, has made almost 100 appearances for the Alex and played in both their 2012 and 2013 Wembley triumphs.